97 SE overheating
#1
97 SE overheating
I've got a 97 SE Auto. It's got 233K miles on it and I have developed a new problem. The car seems to be overheating rapidly when I'm in stop and go traffic or even in a drive-through line. This occurs when I have the A/C on so I just shut the A/C off for a few minutes until the temp subsides. Car goes to the dealer next week, but I was just wondering if anyone else had these problems and what might be causing them. Thanks.
#2
Wow, do you have a 300-mile commute every day? Those are some miles! Even in my venture-some teenage days, I put just less than half that amount of miles on the car I had per year.
I don't have much advice on your problem, other than comprehensively analyzing the cooling system under the hood. I'm not familiar with that kind of analysis myself, I'd take it somewhere. Heard cooling system problems can have the potential to break the wallet in bad cases, so I send out my luck.
I don't have much advice on your problem, other than comprehensively analyzing the cooling system under the hood. I'm not familiar with that kind of analysis myself, I'd take it somewhere. Heard cooling system problems can have the potential to break the wallet in bad cases, so I send out my luck.
#3
When's the last time your changed you water pump?? Maybe it's time. Keep in mind that when you do the pump, some anti-freeze and oil will spill, and possible mix in the engine, so have your mechanic change the oil and anit-freeze, too. It's best to drain the oil and anti-freeze 1st before doing the water pump.
DW
DW
#4
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
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Are your cooling fans running while the A/C is on? They should be. Thats the first place to start checking. When was the last time your cooling system was flushed? You may have some calcium built up in the radiator also. Check to see if the cooling fans run constantly with the A/C on, make sure they also cycle on/off as the engine temp goes up without the a/c on. Then do a flush and refill. You may also try a water wetter for better performance. I think Red Line makes one.
#7
Originally posted by njmaxseltd
You may also try a water wetter for better performance. I think Red Line makes one.
You may also try a water wetter for better performance. I think Red Line makes one.
#8
Re: 97 SE overheating
Try checking the radiator fins for blockage or objects that shouldn't be crammed in there. Then check the T-stat to see if its opening correctly and make sure both cooling fans work.
Originally posted by caz41
I've got a 97 SE Auto. It's got 233K miles on it and I have developed a new problem. The car seems to be overheating rapidly when I'm in stop and go traffic or even in a drive-through line. This occurs when I have the A/C on so I just shut the A/C off for a few minutes until the temp subsides. Car goes to the dealer next week, but I was just wondering if anyone else had these problems and what might be causing them. Thanks.
I've got a 97 SE Auto. It's got 233K miles on it and I have developed a new problem. The car seems to be overheating rapidly when I'm in stop and go traffic or even in a drive-through line. This occurs when I have the A/C on so I just shut the A/C off for a few minutes until the temp subsides. Car goes to the dealer next week, but I was just wondering if anyone else had these problems and what might be causing them. Thanks.
#9
Re: Re: 97 SE overheating
Originally posted by Nismo87SE
Try checking the radiator fins for blockage or objects that shouldn't be crammed in there. Then check the T-stat to see if its opening correctly and make sure both cooling fans work.
Try checking the radiator fins for blockage or objects that shouldn't be crammed in there. Then check the T-stat to see if its opening correctly and make sure both cooling fans work.
New comment (I'm new to this board and don't know why my reply appears to be appended to the previous poster's):
Prior to my purchase of my 1997 Max SE, Super Black, 5 speed, I owned a 1996 Plymouth Neon Sport, red, 5 speed. It was a fast runner, tons of fun to drive, but oh, what a shop baby. I bought the Neon brand new, but if I had known how much repair $$ it would set me back, I would have bought a brand new SE.
The Neon was having overheating problems much as you have described with your ride. I tried many things, but finally one of my mechanics found out what another garage had goofed up. He held a paper towel to both of my radiator fans. One of them had been installed backwards, blowing hot air against the radiator. At highway speeds there was enough air flow, but at slow speeds one of the fans was blowing the radiator's heat forward instead of pulling it toward the rear of the car! FYI, maybe that's your problem!
#10
Re: Re: 97 SE overheating
I bent some radiator fins on my car when I was working on it once. Like 5 or 6 fins on the inside of the radiator facing the engine. When I tried to straighten them, they flaked off. These radiators are very delicate. How do you straighten them out, if you can?
DW
DW
Originally posted by Nismo87SE
Try checking the radiator fins for blockage or objects that shouldn't be crammed in there. Then check the T-stat to see if its opening correctly and make sure both cooling fans work.
Try checking the radiator fins for blockage or objects that shouldn't be crammed in there. Then check the T-stat to see if its opening correctly and make sure both cooling fans work.
#12
Re: noooooooooo
And here I am suggesting the most expensive fix 1st
You're right. Check the easy stuff first.
DW
You're right. Check the easy stuff first.
DW
Originally posted by 1HOTMAX
problem is your termostat.
cost like 5 bucks and some sealant. your done
problem is your termostat.
cost like 5 bucks and some sealant. your done
#13
Originally posted by Wht98SE
I've seen that stuff before, isn't that mostly for german cars? I heard it reduces engine temp. by as much as 20 degrees. Although the temp. gauge on my SE runs a 'lil bit below dead center (after cleaning the engine a while ago) & I want it to run a bit more cooler, do you recommend it?
I've seen that stuff before, isn't that mostly for german cars? I heard it reduces engine temp. by as much as 20 degrees. Although the temp. gauge on my SE runs a 'lil bit below dead center (after cleaning the engine a while ago) & I want it to run a bit more cooler, do you recommend it?
#14
Re: noooooooooo
I have to agree. First thing to check is the thermostat, and then flush the cooling system. If that doesn't work, then it maybe your water pump. I'd think you'd be able to tell if there's a water pump problem when you try to flush your cooling system.
good luck!
good luck!
Originally posted by 1HOTMAX
problem is your termostat.
cost like 5 bucks and some sealant. your done
problem is your termostat.
cost like 5 bucks and some sealant. your done
#15
Originally posted by njmaxseltd
Are your cooling fans running while the A/C is on? They should be. Thats the first place to start checking. When was the last time your cooling system was flushed? You may have some calcium built up in the radiator also. Check to see if the cooling fans run constantly with the A/C on, make sure they also cycle on/off as the engine temp goes up without the a/c on. Then do a flush and refill. You may also try a water wetter for better performance. I think Red Line makes one.
Are your cooling fans running while the A/C is on? They should be. Thats the first place to start checking. When was the last time your cooling system was flushed? You may have some calcium built up in the radiator also. Check to see if the cooling fans run constantly with the A/C on, make sure they also cycle on/off as the engine temp goes up without the a/c on. Then do a flush and refill. You may also try a water wetter for better performance. I think Red Line makes one.
#16
Hesitant on flushing...
I would be hesitant to flush the cooling system of a car with that many miles. No matter that it's a 1997, flushing could also do more harm than good. Lots of crap could be built up in the cooling system and a flushing could bust it loose and send it into the radiator, permanently clogging it.
Regarding Redline's WaterWetter, it's a pretty slick product. Not only does it have excellent heat transfer properties, it also contains a lot of anti-corrosives. I know someone living in FL who runs only water and WaterWetter and has excellent cooling ability with no corrosion.
Good luck,
TOM
Regarding Redline's WaterWetter, it's a pretty slick product. Not only does it have excellent heat transfer properties, it also contains a lot of anti-corrosives. I know someone living in FL who runs only water and WaterWetter and has excellent cooling ability with no corrosion.
Good luck,
TOM
#17
I forgot to mention that the radiator was replaced at about 150,000 miles. I had an unfortunate incident involving a hen pheasant and my grill colliding at about 90mph. Do you think it may still be a risk to flush the coolant system?
#18
Re: Hesitant on flushing...
I'm not so sure i agree. If there is a concern about stuff clogging the radiator, then the cooling system needs to be flushed extra-well to get all the crap out. That's just my opinion. I know that you should be leary of doing a tranny flush if the car has never had one done before, but i don't think the same applies for cooling system.
Originally posted by tom_98se
I would be hesitant to flush the cooling system of a car with that many miles. No matter that it's a 1997, flushing could also do more harm than good. Lots of crap could be built up in the cooling system and a flushing could bust it loose and send it into the radiator, permanently clogging it.
Regarding Redline's WaterWetter, it's a pretty slick product. Not only does it have excellent heat transfer properties, it also contains a lot of anti-corrosives. I know someone living in FL who runs only water and WaterWetter and has excellent cooling ability with no corrosion.
Good luck,
TOM
I would be hesitant to flush the cooling system of a car with that many miles. No matter that it's a 1997, flushing could also do more harm than good. Lots of crap could be built up in the cooling system and a flushing could bust it loose and send it into the radiator, permanently clogging it.
Regarding Redline's WaterWetter, it's a pretty slick product. Not only does it have excellent heat transfer properties, it also contains a lot of anti-corrosives. I know someone living in FL who runs only water and WaterWetter and has excellent cooling ability with no corrosion.
Good luck,
TOM
#22
similar temp issue on '99 I30t
I'm having a similar problem with my 99 I30t. Highway speeds, temp is OK, but only for a while - after 30-45 min. temp will begin to creep upwards, or, after exiting freeway, rises in stop & go traffic. I noticed steam bubbling up in coolant reservoir after I got home (engine off), and coolant level is low. I've replaced both radiator hoses and the t'stat, but I used an Advance Auto Parts t'stat that just didn't work, so I put the old one back on. I have not replaced the heater hoses.
I've tried draining coolant and refilling it s l o w l y and also tried bleeding the air out by running engine with radiator cap open; nothing seems to help. It seems the only thing left is either water pump or the radiator itself. I can handle replacing the radiator myself, but money is def. an issue -- I don't want to replace the radiator and then have to pay to have the water pump professionaly replaced too.
Has anyone ever seen this behavior before? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!!
john
I've tried draining coolant and refilling it s l o w l y and also tried bleeding the air out by running engine with radiator cap open; nothing seems to help. It seems the only thing left is either water pump or the radiator itself. I can handle replacing the radiator myself, but money is def. an issue -- I don't want to replace the radiator and then have to pay to have the water pump professionaly replaced too.
Has anyone ever seen this behavior before? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!!
john
#23
I'm having a similar problem with my 99 I30t. Highway speeds, temp is OK, but only for a while - after 30-45 min. temp will begin to creep upwards, or, after exiting freeway, rises in stop & go traffic. I noticed steam bubbling up in coolant reservoir after I got home (engine off), and coolant level is low. I've replaced both radiator hoses and the t'stat, but I used an Advance Auto Parts t'stat that just didn't work, so I put the old one back on. I have not replaced the heater hoses.
I've tried draining coolant and refilling it s l o w l y and also tried bleeding the air out by running engine with radiator cap open; nothing seems to help. It seems the only thing left is either water pump or the radiator itself. I can handle replacing the radiator myself, but money is def. an issue -- I don't want to replace the radiator and then have to pay to have the water pump professionaly replaced too.
Has anyone ever seen this behavior before? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!!
john
I've tried draining coolant and refilling it s l o w l y and also tried bleeding the air out by running engine with radiator cap open; nothing seems to help. It seems the only thing left is either water pump or the radiator itself. I can handle replacing the radiator myself, but money is def. an issue -- I don't want to replace the radiator and then have to pay to have the water pump professionaly replaced too.
Has anyone ever seen this behavior before? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!!
john
Are we to assume that your radiator and condenser are free of blockage? Fans work?
#24
There is no leakage at all. The coolant loss appears to be out the top of the reservoir due to steam. I have not done a pressure test. The radiator appears quite clean - no noticeable blockage. The fans both work and seem to come on as appropriate.
Thanks!
john
Thanks!
john
#25
Consider remove the two raditor retainer bolts (10mm AIRC) on the upper raditor support and gently push the rad away from the A/C condensor. You might be suprised to see what finds its way in between these two items and in essence chokes air flow to the radiator. A quick check of the internal conditon of the radiaor can be made by removing the cap and looking for calcification on the tubes. I swear I removed and entier bird's worth of feathers earlier this year between my rad and condensor. I have about the same mileage on my '97 SE as you do and it runs cool as a culcumber.
#28
Overheating
97 GLE overheats at high RPM on highway. When I drop it below 2000 RPM the temperature settles back to normal. I replaced the thermostat, did a full flush: I mean 10 gallons of distilled water until it was coming out ALMOST perfectly distilled water color. MAN that took a LONG TIME (it still hand a patina of old coolant yellow). The old coolant hand a few little red flakes but no calcium and no oil. I replaced it with Nissan LL coolant. The fans on the rad are brand new.
The front radiator, facing the ram air is cool to the touch even after long drives, whereas the one facing the fans is hot HOT. There are no leaks that I can see, but the front rad has some dings and things on on it's lower surface where the ram air enters...
What's next on the troubleshooting list?
The front radiator, facing the ram air is cool to the touch even after long drives, whereas the one facing the fans is hot HOT. There are no leaks that I can see, but the front rad has some dings and things on on it's lower surface where the ram air enters...
What's next on the troubleshooting list?
#33
So there is apparently some debris in the front of the radiator, between the rad. and a/c condenser. I removed the big things (had a plastic bag in there, and leaves). Do I have to vacuum it or can I spray it with a water hose without damaging the fins? And, should I wait for it to cool down?
Last edited by atriuum; 08-15-2009 at 11:27 AM.
#34
So there is apparently some debris in the front of the radiator, between the rad and a/c comp. I removed the big things ( had a plastic bag in there, and leafs). Do I have to vacuum it or can I spray it with a water hose without damaging the fins? And, should I wait for it to cool down?
#36
So I took the two retaining brackets off the radiator, tilted it toward the engine and sprayed the radiator from a garden hose. It was dirty. Now it's clean. The temperature did not spike after I took the thin plastic shopping bag and leaves off the rad. surface facing the condenser, but I figured might as well rinse it. The radiator is surprisingly thin, so even a small shopping bag covering 10-15 percent of the surface perhaps had a significant effect. I still need to test it on a longer trip, since it only would spike after 50 mins high rpm highway driving.
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